Douglas's Story.
Birkenhead News 15 September 1917PRIVATE DOUGLAS TERRY
Dies from Wounds.
The death of Private Douglas Terry, King’s Liverpool Regt., from wounds, took place on September 8th. Private Terry, who was 29 years of age, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Terry, Rose Mount, Oxton. At the outbreak of war after being rejected several times he eventually became attached to the 17th King’s Liverpool Regt. (1st City Battalion) with the cotton market contingent. Going to France in November, 1915, he took part in the battle of the Somme, being in action from the 1st to the 10th of July as a runner to Major Higgins. He was severely wounded in the back by shrapnel on the 10th July, 1916, and was picked up in a most critical condition about three days afterwards, and conveyed to the South African Base Hospital. News was received that he had been dangerously wounded.
He, however, rallied, and was later removed to the County Hospital, York, where he appeared to be making fair progress. Septic pneumonia unfortunately set in, and his condition once again became very critical. His good spirits, however, carried him through, and he was transferred to the Red Cross Convalescent Hospital at Bedale, Yorks, where he seemed to make good progress. He was afterwards ordered to join his unit at Pembroke Dock, from whence he was discharged. Private Douglas Terry never fully regained his strength, and had a serious collapse some three weeks ago, passing away on Saturday morning. Whilst in hospital he was visited by his Commander – Colonel Fairfax – who presented him with a signed photograph of himself with the words “To a good runner.” Always of a bright and cheerful disposition Private Douglas Terry was a great favourite wherever he went, and was immensely popular in his battalion. In commercial life he served his time with Messrs. Pennefather and Co., cotton brokers, and during the last year or two was a cotton salesman with Messrs. Richardson and Ralli.
THE MILITARY FUNERAL.
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, full military honours being accorded. The coffin, which was draped with a Union Jack, was conveyed to the cemetery on a gun carriage, and a firing party composed of members of the Cheshire Regt. discharged three volleys over the graveside.
Douglas Terry photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth.